Codeine Addiction Treatment

Codeine Addiction Treatment at Promises

Codeine is one of the world’s most commonly used opioids. Many people do not realize the dangers of codeine addiction. It often begins with legitimate prescribed drug use. Before long, it can develop into prescription drug addiction.

Our recovery centers treat codeine addiction and co-occurring disorders at the same time. We focus on the whole person. This means we don’t just treat symptoms, we get to the root issues. During rehab for codeine addiction, we’ll address the physical and emotional damage caused by substance abuse.

Codeine Is a Common Drug

Codeine is often used to treat coughs and colds. It is sometimes prescribed for pain relief, especially for numbing back pain. You shouldn’t take it without medical supervision. When used in large amounts, codeine’s pleasurable effects make it a high-risk drug for abuse. Codeine affects the brain much like opioids and heroin. Some heroin addicts use large amounts of codeine to help ease withdrawal symptoms. This is dangerous.

The World Health Organization says codeine is likely the most frequently used drug. While codeine can be extracted from opium, it is usually made from morphine. It can be found in many prescription drugs including:

Tylenol with codeine

Codalgin

Mersyndol

Nurofen Plus

Panadeine

Pirophen

Cough syrups

Codeine is taken in many ways. It comes as a pill or in liquid form. It also can be injected. Some people smoke it as an additive to marijuana. Codeine abuse is common because in high doses, it can provide feelings of euphoria. It has less abuse potential than opioids such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, but it can be a dangerous drug.

Short-Term Effects of Codeine Use

Codeine helps with pain relief, but it has other effects. Symptoms of codeine abuse may include:

Itching

Nausea and vomiting

Drowsiness

Dry mouth

Miosis (enlargement of pupils)

Urinary retention

Depression

Constipation

Codeine can also impact sex drive and increases complications in erectile dysfunction. Some people may have an allergic reaction to codeine, such as swelling and rashes.

A potentially fatal drug reaction is respiratory depression, or breathing problems. The higher the dose, the more likely codeine will cause respiratory depression. Codeine also causes heart rate and blood pressure to drop to dangerous levels. Codeine is metabolized to morphine, so breastfeeding mothers should avoid it. Morphine could pass through breast milk in lethal amounts. This can lead to fatal respiratory depression in the baby.

Long-Term Effects of Codeine Abuse

Prolonged drug abuse can result in tolerance. This means that some people will increase the dosage to attempt to achieve the same “high.” With chronic drug abuse, the brain slows or even stops producing feel-good chemicals like endorphins. The result is acute pain without codeine use. Other health issues may include:

Itching

Nausea and vomiting

High blood pressure

Constipation

Liver damage

Stomach ulcers

Codeine Withdrawal and Detox

As with other opiate-based painkillers, codeine abuse can lead to physical dependence. If you stop taking the drug, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:

Drug craving

Runny nose

Yawning

Sweating

Insomnia

Weakness

Stomach cramps

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhea

Muscle spasms

Chills

Irritability

Pain

People with codeine addiction may need to start their recovery with codeine detox. Our recovery programs have medical teams and trained behavioral health care staff. After detox, inpatient treatment can begin.

Using codeine to curb withdrawal symptoms from other drugs such as heroin

Using codeine with other substances such as alcohol to get a more intense effect

Compromised career, finances or relationships

Physical withdrawal symptoms

If these symptoms sound familiar, you may need treatment for codeine addiction.

Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

People addicted to codeine often have co-occurring disorders. They may have developed an addiction in addition to having a mental illness. Dual diagnosis requires integrated substance abuse treatment that addresses mental health issues at the same time. Some common co-occurring disorders for people who abuse codeine include:

Depression

Anxiety disorders

Other forms of substance abuse

Bipolar disorders

Personality disorders

Our Codeine Abuse Treatment Centers

Promises’ inpatient rehab offers personalized plans for codeine abuse treatment and co-occurring disorders. Types of treatment are based on your individual needs but may include:

Individual therapy

Group therapy

Family therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Relapse prevention

Continuing care

Take a Step Toward a Better Life

It’s possible to overcome codeine addiction and live a better life. Step onto the road to recovery with our drug abuse treatment programs. Promise’ inpatient rehabs provide intensive counseling with behavioral health professionals. You’ll take part in various types of treatment tailored to your needs. We also offer relapse prevention planning and continuing care.

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